There was a time, not so long ago, when Sunday was seen as ‘special’. It was reserved for spending time with family and friends, going to church and, crucially, not working.

But these days we live in a much more secular society and, for many, Sunday is no longer a traditional day of rest.

This was cemented by the Sunday Trading Act of 1994, which allowed all stores in England and Wales to trade on Sundays.

Under the law, small shops were able to open all day, while bigger stores were restricted to six hours of business.

Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced proposals to change the opening hours at its markets, which could include Sunday trading.

Cllr Daniel Jellyman is cabinet member for regeneration, transport and heritage, with responsibility for markets.

He said: “I know a lot of people, like myself, who like to shop locally and support our market traders and local businesses. But because of work and family commitments, they can’t get to the markets before they close. These people want to spend their money in our markets, so it makes absolute sense for traders to think about changing to meet their needs.

“The retail world has changed, large supermarkets now open 24 hours a day, so we need to look at everything we can do to make markets attractive, accessible, and competitive places to visit.

Hanley's indoor market could open up on a Sunday

“We will be speaking to traders about opening hours in general to get their thoughts on whether they are working as things stand, or do we need to change them slightly to attract more shoppers? This could be through staying open a couple of hours later in the week to cater for people who finish work at 5pm, or opening on Sundays, which are now just as busy as Saturdays for retail - but more intense because of shorter opening hours.

“We care about all of our markets and want them to thrive and survive. It’s important we listen to stallholders, who we know want greater footfall, before making any final decisions on opening times and that is what we will be doing.”

At Hanley Indoor Market, stallholders gave their views on Sunday trading.

Lewis Allmark, of Norma’s Books, said: “We’ve tried Sunday opening before Christmas over the years, but I don’t think it works. It doesn’t suit us because we weren’t busy enough.

“Nine out of 10 of our customers are older people who come out in the week.

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“Young people tend to think that markets are for older people, but there are some good things in the market. It would be a good idea to attract younger people.

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Her mum Lynn Tudor, a 54-year-old housewife, of Longsdon, near Leek, added: “I don’t shop on a Sunday, if I can help it, but that’s not because it’s a day of rest.

“I’ve got plenty of time during the week to shop, but Sunday opening would suit some people.”

But what do religious leaders in North Staffordshire have to say about the moves to see markets opening up on the seventh day?

Reverend Sally Smith, of St Mark’s Church, Shelton, takes no issue with Sunday trading. She said: “It’s important for us all to take time to spend with our families and friends, and to experience life together. And so we need to guard against this decision having a negative impact on working hours for staff.

“However, in general I don’t have an issue with Sunday trading, and I’ve been known to access it myself when I have run out of communion wine!”

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Reverend Darren McIndoe, rector of Burslem, said: “The heart of the issue is not about when the shops are open, but allowing the workers ample rest and refreshment, and this is at the heart of the Christian concept of Sabbath.”

And Reverend Geoffrey Eze, of All Saints Church, Hanley, added: “There has been Sunday trading for a number of years.

“The Sabbath doesn’t have to be on a Sunday, but everybody needs a break, so it’s the principle of having a break within the week.

“If the city wants to open the markets on different days, it doesn’t really bother me.

“People are working really hard to make ends meet and we have to be creative as a church to deal with that.”